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Author(s):
Barry Turner
Year Published:

Cataloging Information

Topic(s):
Fire Communication & Education
Crisis Communication
Human Dimensions of Fire Management
Leadership
Risk

NRFSN number: 15891
Record updated:

Turner argues that while the best way to avoid disasters is primarily “for managers to establish, to strengthen, and then to assert control,” management control only addresses part of the problem, and there are limitations that affect management in disaster situations. Turner advocates examining three interrelated factors in a disaster situation: the technical aspect of the disaster, the administrative aspect, and managerial issues. Turner notes some of the ways in which administrators can see clues that management is becoming sloppy in ways that might increase the chances of a disaster. He concludes that there is no way to avoid all disasters; however, being aware of specific strategies can help minimize the costs and damages of disasters. Some of these strategies include: avoiding rigid orthodoxy; improving communication with and between staff; understanding reasons for outside complaints; and acknowledging potential consequences or company actions.

Citation

Turner B. 1994. Causes of disaster: sloppy management. British Journal of Management 5 (3), p. 215-219. DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-8551.1994.tb00172.x

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